US20190199867A1 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20190199867A1
US20190199867A1 US16/231,409 US201816231409A US2019199867A1 US 20190199867 A1 US20190199867 A1 US 20190199867A1 US 201816231409 A US201816231409 A US 201816231409A US 2019199867 A1 US2019199867 A1 US 2019199867A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
key
communication unit
image forming
operation key
forming apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US16/231,409
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mikiya Okada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Assigned to SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OKADA, MIKIYA
Publication of US20190199867A1 publication Critical patent/US20190199867A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1601—Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
    • G06F1/1698—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3206—Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
    • G06F1/3209—Monitoring remote activity, e.g. over telephone lines or network connections
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3206—Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
    • G06F1/3215—Monitoring of peripheral devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
    • G06F1/3265—Power saving in display device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32—Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
    • G06F1/3284—Power saving in printer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00095—Systems or arrangements for the transmission of the picture signal
    • H04N1/00103—Systems or arrangements for the transmission of the picture signal specially adapted for radio transmission, e.g. via satellites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00281—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00352—Input means
    • H04N1/00384—Key input means, e.g. buttons or keypads
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/00411—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
    • H04N1/00763—Action taken as a result of detection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00912—Arrangements for controlling a still picture apparatus or components thereof not otherwise provided for
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0094—Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
    • Y02D10/00—Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that has a functionality to wirelessly communicate with a portable terminal.
  • Image forming apparatuses that capture image data using a simple wireless communication system have been disclosed.
  • Image forming apparatuses in the related art typically capture image data from an external portable terminal using a memory card.
  • NFC near field communication
  • the disclosed image forming apparatus has a mechanism that captures from a portable terminal image data using preset WiFi (registered trademark) as a trigger for the transmission of the image data.
  • Communication is established by placing an NFC portable terminal and an image forming apparatus in a close range.
  • a communication region is arranged in an operation panel having an operation unit that gives a command to the image forming apparatus to centralize operations at a single point. The communication region is thus easily recognized.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-115046 discloses an image forming apparatus that controls an erratic input by detecting the presence of an object close to an NFC detector of a touch panel and thus by invalidating and rejecting an input within an area close to the NFC detector.
  • the touch region of the portable terminal is arranged in the center portion of an operation panel in the direction of depth, and thus at a location deeper than a key group including multiple keys.
  • Portable terminals have recently become larger in scale, and if a portable terminal is held over the touch region, part of it covers the key group. If any of the keys detects the portable terminal before the presence of the portable terminal is detected, an erratic input may be input to the image forming apparatus and causes the image forming apparatus to perform a corresponding process.
  • an image forming apparatus include an operation panel having an operation display that displays information.
  • the operation panel includes a first operation key that receives a first operation command from a user, a second operation key that receives a second operation command from the user, and a near field communication unit that performs wireless communication with a portable terminal in a close range.
  • the first operation key in a selected state thereof receives the first operation command
  • the second operation key in a deselected state thereof receives the second operation command.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) of an embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel of a first embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the operation panel of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the operation panel of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the operation panel of the first embodiment with a portable terminal held over the operation panel;
  • FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating an input state of the operation panel of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating the state of an operation panel of a second embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating the state of an operation panel of a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an operation panel of a fifth embodiment
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the operation panel of the fifth embodiment with a portable terminal held over the operation panel;
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the operation panel of the fifth embodiment with the portable terminal held over the operation panel.
  • image forming apparatuses as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) are described as the embodiments. It will be understood that the embodiments also find applications in an image forming apparatus that includes a near field communication (NFC) unit and an operation panel serving as a touch panel.
  • NFC near field communication
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1 of an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • MFP multifunction peripheral
  • the MFP 1 of FIG. 1 has functionalities to copy, to fax, to scan, and to store on server, and includes an automatic document feeder 2 , an operation panel 3 , a discharge paper tray 4 , three paper feed trays 5 , a manual feed tray 6 , a front cover 7 , and a right-side cover 8 .
  • the automatic document feeder 2 causes document sheets to be read continuously by automatically feeding the set document sheets.
  • a scanner is disposed in the transportation path of the document sheets, and each document sheet is read when it passes the scanner. Scanners may be vertically arranged such that a document sheet is transported between the scanners and the front and back sides of the document sheet are read at the same time.
  • the operation panel 3 has a functionality of an interface that gives a command to the MFP 1 when an operation command is received from the user.
  • the operation panel 3 will be described in greater detail later.
  • the discharge paper tray 4 receives paper sheets discharged after being printed, and has space that accommodates a stack of printed paper sheets.
  • the printed paper sheets may undergo a post-process (not illustrated) that sorts the printed paper sheets by discharging them to a right-hand side or a left-hand side of the discharge paper tray 4 according to job unit.
  • the three paper feed trays 5 receive paper sheets that are to be fed and printed. In this case, the paper feed trays 5 receive three types of paper sheets.
  • the manual feed tray 6 is used to set a paper sheet therein, and feeds to the MFP 1 the paper sheet other than the paper sheets set in the three paper feed trays 5 .
  • the front cover 7 is pivoted open.
  • the front cover 7 covers a power switch, a toner cartridge for printing, a printing unit, and the like mounted in the MFP 1 .
  • the right-side cover 8 may be opened to remove a paper sheet if the paper sheet is jammed in the middle of printing.
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 1 .
  • a controller 201 controls elements of the whole MFP 1 in accordance with a program stored on a memory 202 discussed below.
  • the controller 201 includes a high-speed memory serving as a work area of a central processing unit (CPU) that performs an arithmetic operation and gives commands.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the memory 202 includes a semiconductor memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).
  • the memory 202 pre-stores a program that controls the controller 201 , and further stores in a non-volatile fashion a variety of settings made by a user.
  • An input interface (I/F) 203 receives signals from a variety of input units, including a scanner unit 204 , a universal serial bus (USB) 205 , a power saving key 206 ( 405 ), a home key 207 ( 406 ), and a touch panel 208 , and transfers the signals to the controller 201 .
  • a scanner unit 204 receives signals from a variety of input units, including a scanner unit 204 , a universal serial bus (USB) 205 , a power saving key 206 ( 405 ), a home key 207 ( 406 ), and a touch panel 208 , and transfers the signals to the controller 201 .
  • USB universal serial bus
  • the scanner unit 204 reads a document being transported by the automatic document feeder 2 of FIG. 1 or reads a document placed on a document platen, and includes an optical sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor.
  • an optical sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor.
  • a universal serial bus (USB) 205 is an interface (I/F) that is connected to an external memory (such as a USB memory). According to the embodiment, the USB 205 reads data from or writes data to the USB memory.
  • a power saving key 206 ( 405 ) is used to give a command to shift the MFP 1 to a power saving mode to save power.
  • the power saving key 206 detects an operation performed by a user by detecting a change in capacitance. In order not to shift to the power saving mode in response to an erratic touch, the power saving key 206 thus allows the MFP 1 to shift to the power saving mode after a time elapse of 1 second, for example.
  • a home key 207 ( 406 ) is used to change an operation screen to a screen on which a variety of functionalities of the MFP 1 is selected. Like the power saving key 206 , the home key 207 detects an operation performed by the user by detecting a change in capacitance. But if the home key 207 is designed to be activated after a time elapse like the power saving key 206 , this inconveniences the user. The home key 207 is designed to immediately change one screen to another when it is operated.
  • the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 are activated when each of these keys is selected by touching.
  • the selection mechanism is not limited to touching.
  • the selection mechanism may be implemented using a hardware key.
  • a touch panel 208 is based on an analog resistive membrane system, and is arranged on a display 210 described below.
  • the touch panel 208 is used to detect an input to a location on the display 210 .
  • the touch panel 208 is not limited to the analog resistive membrane system that uses a divided voltage.
  • the touch panel 208 may be an electrostatic capacity system that detects a change in capacitance present between a finger and a pattern, an infrared ray blocking system that uses an area that blocks a radiated infrared ray, or a camera system that identifies a location in response to a shadow of a finger which is photographed by a camera.
  • An output I/F 209 is used to output to the user a signal output from the controller 201 .
  • the output I/F 209 converts the signal from the controller 201 into information that is to be displayed on a bitmap (not illustrated), and generates a driving signal and supplies to the display 210 the driving signal to drive the display 210 .
  • the display 210 is used to provide the user with information, and is a flat display, such as a liquid-crystal display or an electroluminescent (EL) display.
  • a flat display such as a liquid-crystal display or an electroluminescent (EL) display.
  • a communication interface (I/F) 211 relays communication between the MFP 1 and an external device.
  • the communication I/F 211 connects to a phone unit 212 that performs a facsimile communication using a telephone network, a local-area network (LAN) communication unit 213 that performs email communication using the Internet, a WiFi communication unit 214 that performs high-speed wireless communication within a coverage of several tens meters, and an NFC communication unit 215 ( 409 ) that performs relatively short-range wireless communication.
  • LAN local-area network
  • WiFi communication unit 214 that performs high-speed wireless communication within a coverage of several tens meters
  • NFC communication unit 215 409
  • the NFC communication unit 215 has a near field communication functionality unit that performs wireless communication with a terminal device (portable terminal) within a close range.
  • a printing unit 216 prints an image on a paper sheet placed in one of the three paper feed trays 5 or the manual feed tray 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 by fixing toner onto the paper sheet using heat and pressure.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the operation panel 3 .
  • Elements illustrated in FIG. 3 and related to the elements illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are designated with the same reference numerals, and the discussion thereof is omitted as appropriate.
  • a touch screen having the touch panel 208 on the display 210 is arranged in the center portion of the operation panel 3 .
  • the display 210 displays four icons indicating a copy functionality, a fax functionality, a scan functionality, and FTP/Desktop functionality.
  • the touch panel 208 detects a touch location, and the functionality corresponding to the icon displayed at the touch location is performed.
  • a region that is used to detect the power saving key 206 Arranged to the right of the touch screen in the order of the deeper side toward the front side of the operation panel 3 are a region that is used to detect the power saving key 206 , a region that is used to detect the home key 207 , and a region that is used to perform communication using the NFC communication unit 215 .
  • the first embodiment is characteristic of the arrangement in which a communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 serving as an NFC interface that performs NFC communication is arranged closer to the user of the operation panel 3 .
  • the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 is arranged in the extension line of the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 .
  • the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 is arranged closer to the user than the operation region where operation keys, such as the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 , are arranged.
  • the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 is desirably arranged near one corner of the operation panel 3 .
  • the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 if not arranged near the corner of the operation panel 3 , is desirably arranged below the operation region in FIG. 3 .
  • the touch panel 208 , the operation region (the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 ), and the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 are arranged on the same surface plane of the operation panel 3 .
  • a user friendly operation panel thus results by providing these elements on the same surface plane.
  • FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the operation panel 3 .
  • the operation panel 3 includes a combination of an upper frame 401 and a lower frame 402 .
  • the operation panel 3 is pivotally connected to the MFP 1 about a rotary shaft (not illustrated) on the rear side of the lower frame 402 .
  • the upper frame 401 includes a window 403 that is space defined by the upper frame 401 itself. Through the window 403 , the user checks the display 210 in the operation panel 3 concerning the touch panel 208 and the display 210 , and performs a touch operation to the touch panel 208 .
  • a substrate 404 is arranged beside the display 210 and the touch panel 208 .
  • the substrate 404 includes a first static electricity detector 405 serving as the power saving key 206 and a second static electricity detector 406 serving as the home key 207 .
  • the first static electricity detector 405 and the second static electricity detector 406 detect a change in capacitance responsive to an operation performed by the user.
  • Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 407 are arranged on both sides of each of the patterns of the first static electricity detector 405 and the second static electricity detector 406 .
  • Light guide plates 408 are arranged on the patterns of the first static electricity detector 405 and the second static electricity detector 406 to guide light upward from the LEDs 407 in a manner such that the detection of capacitance is not affected.
  • Light guided by the light guide plate 408 is recognized from above because the corresponding target region of the upper frame 401 is translucent. The key location is thus easily recognized.
  • the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 are electrostatic capacity switches that detect operation inputs by detecting capacitance.
  • each of the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 may be a simple pressure sensitive switch or a simple mechanical switch.
  • the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 may be a combination of these switches.
  • the home key 207 may be an electrostatic capacity switch and the power saving key 206 may be a mechanical switch.
  • the switches arranged in the operation region are the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 . But these switches may be implemented as a single switch. Alternatively, the operation region may have no switch at all. For example, the functionalities of the switches may be additionally performed by another switch, such as a clear key, a mode switching key, or a power key. Such a switch may have the functionalities of the switches as well as its own functionality.
  • the substrate 404 includes a loop antenna 409 in the form of a wiring pattern to perform wireless NFC communication.
  • the loop antenna 409 serves as an input and output unit that works with a terminal device, such as a smart phone performing the NFC communication.
  • a variety of components mounted on the substrate 404 are connected with an input interface (I/F) 203 and the communication I/F 211 via a connector 410 and as a result, the controller 201 performs processes thereof.
  • I/F input interface
  • FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the operation panel 3 .
  • the user When the user causes the portable terminal to communicate with the MFP 1 , the user places the portable terminal close to communication coverage of the NFC communication unit 215 as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the user may be able to hold the portable terminal over the MFP 1 in a manner such that the portable terminal does not cover the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 . This is contrasted with the case in which the NFC communication unit 215 is arranged in a central or deeper portion of the upper frame 401 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the detection of the touch input and operation signals.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates touch inputs entered from time t 1 when a touch input from the user is detected to time t 2 when the touch input is deactivated, a communication enabled state, and timings of operation commands.
  • the power saving key 206 outputs the operation command (operation signal ON) immediately subsequent to the touch input.
  • the home key 207 outputs the operation command (operation signal ON) when the touch input is no longer detected (for example, when a finger lifts off) after the touch input has been detected.
  • the NFC communication unit 215 remains in a communication enabled state while the touch input remains on. More specifically, the communication enabled state continues immediately subsequent to the touch input.
  • An erratic operation is thus avoided by changing the timing of the operation command (operation input) between the startup of the detection of the touch input and the end of the detection of the touch input. For example, even if the home key 207 is touched when the portable terminal is held over the region of the NFC communication unit 215 , an operation command responsive to an erratic operation is avoided.
  • a second embodiment is described in connection with FIG. 8 .
  • the NFC communication unit 215 may now perform the NFC communication from time t 10 to time t 16 . In other words, the portable terminal is being held over the NFC communication unit 215 .
  • the portable terminal or a finger of the user may touch the home key 207 (during a time period from time t 12 to time t 14 ).
  • the home key 207 could output the operation command (the operation signal of the home key 207 could turn on).
  • the NFC communication unit 215 detects the NFC communication, the operation command from the home key 207 is regarded as not being output. More specifically, the operation signal of the home key 207 remains to be off.
  • the home key 207 does not output the operation command while the NFC communication is performed. In other words, the operation signal of the home key 207 remains to be off, and an erratic operation command is avoided during the NFC communication.
  • a third embodiment is described in connection with FIG. 9 .
  • the NFC communication unit 215 does not receive from the operation command from the home key 207 for a predetermined period of time after the communication of the NFC communication unit 215 .
  • the portable terminal performs the NFC communication via the NFC communication unit 215 from time t 20 to time t 22 .
  • the operation command is not accepted from the home key 207 .
  • the ON operation signal is not output.
  • the operation signal of the home key 207 remains to be off.
  • a fourth embodiment is described in connection with FIG. 9 .
  • the home key 207 is erratically touched while communication is performed with the portable terminal held over the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 , a touch input to the home key 207 is detected.
  • the operation command is not received even when the touch operation stops.
  • the operation signal is in the off state.
  • the predetermined period of time is a fixed period of time or longer, for example, 1 second or longer, or 3 seconds or longer.
  • a fifth embodiment is described below in connection with FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 .
  • the fifth embodiment has a characteristic shape to avoid an erratic operation.
  • the fifth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in that the region of the NFC communication unit 215 is arranged on the surface of the operation panel 3 , but is different from the first embodiment that the region is inclined.
  • the operation panel 3 has a gradually rising slope extending from the front side of the operation panel 3 toward a deeper portion (the center point), and the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 is thus arranged on the front portion from the peak of the rising slope toward the front side.
  • the operation regions of the power saving key 206 and the home key 207 other than the NFC communication unit 215 are arranged in the gradually falling slope extending from the peak of the rising slope toward the deeper side of the operation panel 3 .
  • the communication region of the NFC communication unit 215 is mounted on the rising slope from the front side toward the deeper portion of the operation panel 3 while the operation regions are mounted on the slope at an angle different from the angle of the rising slope of the operation panel 3 .
  • the communication region and the operation regions are arranged in this way as illustrated in FIG. 12 . Even if the portable terminal is held at a location that reaches the area of the home key 207 , possibly causing erratic detection in response to a change in capacitance, spacing is assured to the keys, and the erratic detection is thus controlled.
  • the rising slope is arranged in the direction extending from the front side toward the deeper side of the operation panel 3 .
  • the direction may be a lateral direction. More specifically, a first gradually rising slope may be arranged from the right side toward the center portion of the operation panel 3 . A second gradually falling slope may be arranged from the center portion toward the right side on the operation panel 3 .
  • the communication region may be arranged on the first slope, and the operation regions may be arranged on the second slope.
  • the communication region and the operation regions may be reversed in position.
  • the operation regions may be arranged on the front portion, and the communication region may be arranged on the deeper portion. Because of the presence of the slope, even if the portable terminal is held over the NFC communication unit 215 , the portable terminal may touch the NFC communication unit 215 at an angle different from the angle at which the portable terminal touches the power saving key 206 or the home key 207 . An erratic operation is thus controlled.
  • the MFPs have been described as an example of the image forming apparatus in the embodiments.
  • the embodiments may find applications in a facsimile device alone, a printer alone, or a copying machine alone.
  • the NFC communication unit is used to communicate with the portable terminal.
  • the embodiments may be used in another type of near field communication.
  • the embodiments may be used in communication where an authentication card is used using radio frequency identifier (RFID).
  • RFID radio frequency identifier

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
US16/231,409 2017-12-27 2018-12-22 Image forming apparatus Abandoned US20190199867A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017251139A JP2019117523A (ja) 2017-12-27 2017-12-27 画像形成装置
JP2017-251139 2017-12-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20190199867A1 true US20190199867A1 (en) 2019-06-27

Family

ID=66951676

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/231,409 Abandoned US20190199867A1 (en) 2017-12-27 2018-12-22 Image forming apparatus

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20190199867A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2019117523A (ja)
CN (1) CN110012192A (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11252292B2 (en) * 2019-03-07 2022-02-15 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Document scanner and image forming apparatus

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0458673A (ja) * 1990-06-27 1992-02-25 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 記録装置のユーザインターフェース
JP4628177B2 (ja) * 2005-05-12 2011-02-09 矢崎総業株式会社 点字キーボード及びキーコード出力制御方法
JP2008046898A (ja) * 2006-08-17 2008-02-28 Mitsubishi Electric Corp カードリーダ付キー入力装置
JP5272932B2 (ja) * 2009-07-06 2013-08-28 富士通株式会社 携帯端末
JP5127792B2 (ja) * 2009-08-18 2013-01-23 キヤノン株式会社 情報処理装置、その制御方法、プログラム及び記録媒体
US9201467B2 (en) * 2011-01-26 2015-12-01 Sony Corporation Portable terminal having user interface function, display method, and computer program
CN105027064A (zh) * 2012-11-27 2015-11-04 汤姆逊许可公司 自适应虚拟键盘
JP6048224B2 (ja) * 2013-03-05 2016-12-21 ブラザー工業株式会社 通信装置、通信システム
JP5840639B2 (ja) * 2013-03-28 2016-01-06 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 表示操作装置及びプログラム並びに画像形成装置
JP2017202600A (ja) * 2016-05-10 2017-11-16 株式会社リコー 通信装置

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11252292B2 (en) * 2019-03-07 2022-02-15 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Document scanner and image forming apparatus
US11831825B2 (en) 2019-03-07 2023-11-28 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Document scanner and image forming apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110012192A (zh) 2019-07-12
JP2019117523A (ja) 2019-07-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10162503B2 (en) Image processing apparatus and method of displaying object in image processing apparatus
US10628035B2 (en) Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
US20180234563A1 (en) Image forming apparatus
EP2879021B1 (en) Display control device and electronic apparatus
US20160241732A1 (en) Information processing apparatus, control method, and recording medium
US9876922B2 (en) Image forming apparatus with a short-range wireless communication antenna
US11196877B2 (en) Image forming apparatus includes an antenna to establishe wireless communicate with portable terminal and display panel for guiding user
JP2014197288A (ja) 通信装置、およびプログラム
US20170257503A1 (en) Sheet size determining apparatus and printing apparatus
EP3223129B1 (en) Operating device and operating method
US20190199867A1 (en) Image forming apparatus
US10338509B2 (en) Information inputting apparatus and image forming apparatus having information inputting apparatus
JP6782648B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
US10841449B2 (en) Image forming apparatus and control method of image forming apparatus
US10771642B2 (en) Control panel and image forming apparatus
US20170052689A1 (en) Information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, and storage medium
US10257371B2 (en) Touch operation device and image forming device
JP6934784B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
US10212293B2 (en) Information processing device, and switching device
US10891097B2 (en) Receiving device and image forming apparatus
US10805478B2 (en) Detection apparatus and image forming apparatus for canceling an operation of the detection apparatus based on a detection result
JP2018156590A (ja) 入力装置、画像形成装置及びプログラム
JP2014021241A (ja) 表示制御装置表示システム表示制御プログラム
JP2017073111A (ja) 情報処理装置及びスイッチ装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:OKADA, MIKIYA;REEL/FRAME:047979/0909

Effective date: 20181218

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION